Q. What does an X-ray show?

A. Because the X-ray image is a picture of your bones, it is a useful way to check for a fracture, spine deformity, or disease of the spine (like osteoporosis or ankylosing spondylitis). The image shows the alignment of your spine and whether there are signs of spine instability or degeneration in the bones of the spine. Degenerative changes can be seen as enlargement in the facet joints, narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, or bone spurs. Your doctor may also have X-rays taken if infections or tumors are suspected.